WHEREAS the National Park Service (NPS) is the governmental agency responsible for the stewardship of land and preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.WHEREAS NPS proposes to implement a nonmotorized boathouse zone (NMBZ) which encompasses both public and private lands, including portions of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP).WHEREAS a Development Plan and Environmental Assessment for the NMBZ was released for comment by the NPS in July 2016.WHEREAS Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 3D has been an active party since 2004 in development plans and the 106 Process for development of the NMBZ.WHEREAS ANC 3D is respectful of the area of the nonmotorized boathouse zone which lies within the C&O Canal NHP and seeks protections of the natural and cultural resources within that area of the park.WHEREAS previous studies have demonstrated a steadily increasing demand for nonmotorized boating, including rowing, paddling, and standup paddle boarding.WHEREAS NPS proposes to establish a Potomac River recreation zone that more fully supports nonmotorized recreation; increases the public’s access to the river; improves functionality of the Capital Crescent Trail as it connects to the Georgetown Waterfront Park; and, respects the historic character, natural resources, and existing recreational use of the C&O Canal NHP and Rock Creek Park.WHEREAS NPS has proposed only two alternatives: one, which would take no action; and, the Action Alternative (Alternative 2), which focuses on the appropriate buildable area for each of five zones; and, how each area would be used to provide access to favorable flat water conditions for nonmotorized boating and improve on-shore amenities; and, allow phased development of nonmotorized boating facilities for both rowing programs and recreational paddlers while providing flexibility in future size, placement and design of these facilities.WHEREAS Alternative 2 would introduce six new non-contributing buildings to the Georgetown Historic District and two additional optional buildings into the district, it would not alter the character of the historic district.WHEREAS construction of the new boathouses and optional boat storage buildings would be in keeping with existing historic recreational activities in that area.WHEREAS designs of any new buildings would be reviewed by NPS, the DC State Historic Preservation Office, the Commission of Fine Arts and the Old Georgetown Board. WHEREAS Alternative 2 would remove dense vegetation between the C&O Canal Towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail; and, the introduction of new boathouses would diminish the setting of the C&O Canal Historic District, the proposed development would not alter any of the characteristics that make the district eligible as a significant example of 19th century engineering and architectural technology, as the setting already has been significantly altered by the four-lane Canal Road to the north.NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, ANC 3D supports the Assessment of Effects for the NMBZ Development Plan which has been undertaken in accord with the regulations implementing the 106 Process of the National Historic Preservation Act.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED ANC 3D finds the proposed NMBZ plans would have no adverse effect on the Georgetown Historic District, Washington Canoe Club, Potomac Boat Club, C&O Canal Historic District, Alexandria Aqueduct, Key Bridge, George Washington Memorial Parkway Historic District, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Historic District, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Watergate Complex, and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.​BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED ANC 3D commends NPS for undertaking a lengthy study of the area which will serve the interests of all who wish to experience the recreational opportunities provided by the Potomac River while protecting the historic and cultural resources which surround the five sites proposed in the 2016 Environmental Assessment for the NMBZ.

ANC 3D Resolution passed by a vote of 6-0-0 at a regularly scheduled meeting, with a quorum present at all times, in the conference room of Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Medical Office Building, on September 14, 2016.